Let me paint you a picture. You’ve had some amazing jam packed days out on the water exploring the Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef, falling into bed exhausted and elated each night. But it’s catching up to you. The rental car hasn’t been touched in a week. You’re looking for a slower paced day on land. Don’t worry, I have got you covered! Here are 5 local tips on how to chase that lazy Sunday vibe, while still getting to see more of the beautiful Whitsundays (and it doesn’t even have to be Sunday!). Choose just one or combine a few if the Whitsundays adventure bug has bitten you good.

When it comes to visiting the world-famous Whitsundays, the charming town of Bowen is a must-do. The picturesque seaside town, also known at the 'Top of the Whitsundays', brims with understated charm. From award winning palm fringed beaches to beautiful bays and the most delicious seafood you've ever tasted, Bowen has something for everything.

Here are some suggestions for what you can see and do in beautiful Bowen.

A Walk to Bowen's Lighthouse

A few times a year, during the winter months, Bowen’s daytime tides are low enough for visitors to walk to North Head Island and Queensland’s third oldest lighthouse. This unique experience takes walkers on a beautiful journey that not only celebrates the history of Bowen, but also the wonderful array of sea life that inhabits the shores of the bay. We asked one of our visitors to describe their first Walk to the Lighthouse.

The day of the Walk to the Lighthouse dawns bright, balmy and shimmering blue as only the waters in the Whitsundays can. We are excited for this afternoon, but make the most of our short stay in Bowen to explore the beautiful beaches and enjoy lunch at the spectacular Grand View Hotel. The balmy winter weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoor dining area and gazing into the bay. The wind has dropped completely by lunchtime and the glassy water reflects the islands dotted across the water.

The good old staycation… a vacation where you stay at home (or only drive a few hours). The best thing about a staycation is it makes you look at your local area from the perspective of a traveller. While it might not be as appealing as travelling overseas, the staycation is one of the best and easiest ways to book in some adventure (or R&R) and capitalize on those holidays feels.

We’ve all heard of the Whitsundays. Seen countless images of the gorgeous white sandy beaches of Whitehaven beach, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island and the likes. But did you know that the Whitsundays consists of 74 islands, many of which are uninhabited? This region is so much more than the postcard images that we’ve seen and love. I’ve journeyed to the Whitsundays on so many occasions but was excited to have the opportunity to discover some of its more hidden gems.

The Whitsundays is famously known as the home of Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and Hamilton Island. What isn’t as well known though is that the Whitsundays is also made up of 74 islands and a number of beautiful beachfront communities that stretch up the coast to Bowen.

1.

The Run the Great Whitsunday Trail is the only event in Australia where you can run through the beautiful but challenging rainforest to the beach, and cool off in the Coral Sea

2.

You can test yourself over a 57.4km Ultra distance, play it safe with a 28.7km race or take it easy and take in the views with the inaugural 9km Honeyeater Challenge – you choose! All 3 are challenging so pre-event training is a MUST.

The Whitsundays is an adventure just waiting to happen – all you have to bring is a sense of wonder and a willingness to jump right in!The Whitsundays is quite literally in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and you can swim, snorkel, dive, sail and fly when experiencing the world’s largest living structure in the wonderful Whitsundays.

Sail

With 74 tropical islands dotting the Coral Sea - and the protection of the Great Barrier Reef, meaning calm sheltered waters - the Whitsundays is a sailing haven. From eco tours on romantic old tall ships, to adventure sailing on ex America’s Cup racing yachts, you can choose your sailing experience in this island paradise. You’re spoilt for choice with one, two and three-night itineraries taking in everything the Whitsundays’ aquatic playground has to offer – and exciting day trips too, if you’re tight for time. Who doesn’t want to take off on an adventure and find secluded beaches and dive into the marvelous underwater world?

I have travelled to over 40 countries and from all the places I have visited, the Whitsundays holds a special place in my heart. It is definitely one of Australia’s most stunning destinations. With 74 wonderful islands, warm tropical climate and white sandy beaches… it’s nothing short of paradise!

And to top it all, it’s perfectly located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and will leave you in awe! If you’re like me and love discovering natural wonders, follow my top 5 activities for nature lovers to ensure you have a great time.

Luxury might not be a word that instantly comes to mind when you think about the laid-back Whitsundays - but think again!

In recent years, developments on both the mainland and islands have taken the Whitsundays in a new and welcome direction, while still maintaining the relaxed tropical charm that the region is so well known for.

The range of luxury accommodation is growing, with the opening of full-service hotels, as well as luxurious apartments, decadent holiday homes, and super-sophisticated yachts.

There are countless beautiful spots to camp in the Whitsundays, with rugged natural beauty, stunning views and an abundance of wildlife. And you don’t have to worry about camping gear as that is taken care of by local hire companies!

Greetings! I’m Alivia, a travel photographer and lifestyle blogger based in Portland, Oregon, USA! I recently had the opportunity to visit the land down under for the first time and wow, I am in awe! While I was able to journey throughout Melbourne and Sydney and everywhere in between, my favorite part of the excursion was my visit to the Whitsundays. Staying in the incredible little town of Airlie Beach, my friend Michael and I were right in the center of all the fun! That said, I’ve decided to write out my top five favorite things to do in the Whitsundays... here we go!

So, the question has been popped, you’ve got the beautiful bling on your finger and you’ve started the hunt for your big day inspiration. You’re scrolling through the internet, skimming through pages of wedding magazines and picture after picture is always of one super-smiley bride, bare-foot, wind-swept and flower adorned hair, posing on a pristine beach with the ocean and clear blue sky as her back-drop. A destination wedding: who hasn’t fantasized about it? However if the mere mention of saying your “I do’s” in a far-off idyllic place instils concerns of logistical disasters, guest-list dilemmas, sky-high stress and ski-high cost and “isn’t it too luxurious for the average-Joe couple” apprehension, get ready to think again!

We’ve put our heads together and set our sights on kicking these misconceptions to the curb. Intrigued? We are true advocates for the destination wedding and have put together 10 fabulous reasons why you should choose to pack your bags and jet-set off to somewhere truly special to get hitched (we reckon you’ll love them too):